Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' Swims to $120M Memorial Day Opening

Disney's live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid' is poised to make a big splash at the box office.

Early estimates project a $120M opening weekend, making it the fourth movie (and third from Disney) this year to clear the $100 million mark in its debut.

The film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, alongside Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, and Awkwafina.

It is directed by Rob Marshall and produced by John DeLuca and Marc Platt.

The film is based on the 1989 animated film of the same name. The original film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $843 million worldwide.

The live-action remake has been praised for its visuals and performances, but has also been criticized for its whitewashing of Ariel.

Despite the controversy, the film is expected to be a box office hit. It will be released in theaters on May 26, 2023.

Alan Menken, who has won two Oscars, wrote the music for the movie, and Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote new songs for it.

Action-comedy The Machine and the Robert De Niro comedy About My Father also open nationwide, but they aren't expected to make more than $5 million or $6 million in their first weeks.

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